Punta Higuero Light, Maritime lighthouse in Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Punta Higuero Light is a maritime lighthouse in Rincón, Puerto Rico, featuring a light gray octagonal concrete tower that rises 21 meters above the westernmost point of the main island. The grounds sit at the intersection of Route 413 and Route 4413 and are maintained as a public park, though the tower itself remains closed to visitors.
Spanish authorities built the first lighthouse in 1892, but after an earthquake in 1918, the United States Coast Guard rebuilt it in 1922. This reconstruction created the structure that stands today and defines the site's appearance.
The grounds serve as a gathering place where visitors come to watch migrating whales during certain seasons and observe surfing competitions held offshore. The location has become a social hub where locals and tourists experience these natural and sporting events together.
The park surrounding the lighthouse is easy to access and offers good vantage points overlooking the ocean and surrounding coastline. Visitors should note that pathways can be uneven in places and wind can be strong depending on weather, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
The original tower contained a Fresnel lens that projected white light far across the Mona Passage, helping ships navigate the treacherous waters at night. This optical technology from the 1800s was a major safety improvement for vessels traveling through this challenging sea route.
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